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MOFA response to speech by NATO Secretary General Rutte drawing attention to China’s military buildup and bullying of Taiwan

December 14, 2024  

The Ministry of Foreign Affairs (MOFA) has taken note of a speech delivered by North Atlantic Treaty Organization (NATO) Secretary General Mark Rutte at an event in Brussels on December 12 that was organized by the think tank Carnegie Europe. In his remarks, titled “To Prevent War, NATO Must Spend More,” Secretary General Rutte called on NATO members to shift to a wartime mindset and turbo-charge defense production and defense spending so as to strengthen deterrence and defend their free and democratic way of life. 
 
Secretary General Rutte also urged all parties to be clear-eyed about China’s ambitions, pointing out that China was substantially building up its forces and bullying Taiwan. In the Q&A session following his speech, Secretary General Rutte said that if Russia were to come out on top in any peace negotiations with Ukraine, China would surely be watching and start nibbling Taiwan. 
 
This was the first public speech given by Secretary General Rutte since he assumed the position on October 1. He used the occasion to draw attention to the nature of China’s expansionist actions and ambitions toward Taiwan, as well as to the challenges posed by China, Russia, North Korea, and Iran to global peace and security. Indeed, Secretary General Rutte’s speech was especially meaningful at a time when authoritarian regimes are expanding their ambitions. 
 
Faced with coordinated efforts by authoritarian countries to undermine regional peace and stability and the international order, Taiwan, as a responsible and democratic member of the global community, will continue to work with such like-minded partners as the G7 and NATO in order to jointly safeguard peace, stability, and prosperity across the Taiwan Strait and the wider region.

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MOFA response to Czech Chamber of Deputies Foreign Affairs Committee adopting resolution on China’s misrepresentation of UNGA Resolution 2758

December 13, 2024  

The Czech Chamber of Deputies Foreign Affairs Committee on December 12 adopted a resolution on the misrepresentation of United Nations General Assembly (UNGA) Resolution 2758 by the People’s Republic of China and support for Taiwan’s participation in international organizations. In the resolution, the committee opposed China’s inappropriate conflation of UNGA Resolution 2758 with its “one China principle,” rejected China’s claim that Taiwan is an inseparable part of Chinese territory, and advocated for Taiwan’s international participation. The Ministry of Foreign Affairs (MOFA) strongly affirms and sincerely appreciates this support from the Czech Republic. 
 
The resolution stated that UNGA Resolution 2758 merely addressed China’s representation in the UN; that it did not mention Taiwan or address its political status or participation in the international community; that it did not establish PRC sovereignty over Taiwan; and that it did not make any decision regarding Taiwan’s inclusion in the UN or any other international organization.
 
Furthermore, the resolution opposed China’s misrepresentation of UNGA Resolution 2758 and urged China to respect its content and to stop misusing it for its own political ends. The resolution also endorsed Taiwan’s meaningful participation in international organizations, including the World Health Organization, the UN Framework Convention on Climate Change, the International Civil Aviation Organization, and the International Criminal Police Organization. 
 
MOFA thanks the Czech Chamber of Deputies Foreign Affairs Committee for speaking in favor of justice for Taiwan and urges the international community to continue to take concrete action to counter China’s misrepresentation of UNGA Resolution 2758. Taiwan will continue to work with like-minded partners around the world to jointly safeguard the core values shared by the global democratic community and to preserve regional peace, stability, and prosperity.

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MOFA response to Japanese Chief Cabinet Secretary Hayashi expressing strong concern over China’s military exercises around first island chain

December 12, 2024During a regular press conference on December 11, Japanese Chief Cabinet Secretary Yoshimasa Hayashi stressed that peace and stability across the Taiwan Strait were paramount to the security of Japan and the stability of the entire international community. He made the comments in response to the Chinese People’s Liberation Army deploying large numbers of naval and coast guard vessels around the first island chain for days-long, large-scale military exercises. The Ministry of Foreign Affairs (MOFA) appreciates and welcomes the Japanese government’s public expression of strong support for peace and stability across the Taiwan Strait. Chief Cabinet Secretary Hayashi said that the Japanese government had directly conveyed to China its high regard for cross-strait peace at the Japan-China summit in November. He added that Japan would initiate comprehensive countermeasures, further monitor movements in the surrounding waters and airspace, remain alert to subsequent developments, and work closely with the United States and other allies to respond to any situation.Maintaining peace and stability across the Taiwan Strait is a matter of international consensus. China’s large-scale military maritime operations have seriously undermined regional peace and stability. MOFA again calls on China to exercise reason and self-restraint and cease all actions that threaten Taiwan and escalate tensions in the region.

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MOFA response to China’s statements on President Lai’s phone call with former US House Speaker Pelosi and US approval of arms sale to Taiwan

December 3, 2024 

The Ministry of Foreign Affairs (MOFA) notes that on December 2 spokespersons from China’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs and Ministry of National Defense expressed displeasure with and opposition to President Lai Ching-te’s phone call with former US House of Representatives Speaker Nancy Pelosi and the US approval of an arms sale to Taiwan, respectively. In addition to expressing regret at the Chinese government’s inability to understand routine diplomatic practices between democratic countries and its repeated provocative comments, MOFA urges China to exercise reason and self-restraint.
 
Furthermore, MOFA reiterates that the Republic of China (Taiwan) is an independent and sovereign nation; that it has the right to autonomously engage with other countries around the world and develop relations with them; that it will not accept interference or suppression from any country for any reason; and that it will not impose limits on itself. MOFA again thanks the US government for continuing to staunchly fulfill its security commitments to Taiwan in accordance with the Taiwan Relations Act and the Six Assurances.
 
MOFA also again reminds China that any inappropriate overreaction to the ROC (Taiwan) president making routine overseas trips will be detrimental to regional peace and stability and lead to international condemnation.

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MOFA response to Chinese Ministry of Foreign Affairs declaring firm opposition to President Lai’s US transit stop

December 1, 2024 

In response to the Chinese Ministry of Foreign Affairs declaring firm opposition to Republic of China (Taiwan) President Lai Ching-te making a transit stop in the United States, the Ministry of Foreign Affairs (MOFA) reiterates that the ROC (Taiwan) is an independent and sovereign nation; that neither the ROC (Taiwan) nor the PRC is subordinate to the other; and that the PRC has never governed Taiwan for a single day. President Lai’s stopover in the United States en route to Pacific allies to consolidate friendships is in accordance with customary practice and is an exercise of the legitimate rights of a sovereign nation.
 
MOFA underlines that transit stops made by ROC (Taiwan) presidents are arranged pursuant to long-standing practice. The United States has followed this practice by extending assistance in accordance with the principles of safety, dignity, convenience, and comfort. MOFA thanks the United States for its assistance, which demonstrates that Taiwan-US relations are closer and more cordial than ever before.
 
MOFA further asserts that any overreaction by China to the president of the ROC (Taiwan) conducting normal travel duties would represent an irresponsible attempt to damage regional peace and stability and be subject to the condemnation of the international community.

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Foreign Minister Lin hosts welcome luncheon for Ukrainian delegation led by Lviv Mayor Sadovyy

Date：2024-12-28
Data Source：Department of European Affairs

December 28, 2024  
No. 468  

Minister of Foreign Affairs Lin Chia-lung on December 27 hosted a luncheon to welcome a Ukrainian delegation led by Lviv Mayor Andriy Sadovyy. During the event, the two sides exchanged views on the ongoing Russia-Ukraine war, the peaceful development of Ukraine, the strengthening of local municipal exchanges, the building of resilient cities, and other initiatives. In addition to sharing with the guests Taiwan’s experience and insights regarding economic transformation and high-tech industrial development, Minister Lin stressed that cities in Taiwan and Ukraine could engage in exchanges at the annual Smart City Summit and Expo held in Taiwan.
 
The visiting delegation thanked the Taiwan government for its humanitarian assistance and support to Ukraine, adding that the Ukrainian people were deeply moved by Taiwan’s goodwill. They expressed the wish that the two countries could further engage in reciprocal support and cooperation on the basis of friendship and mutual trust. 
 
Lviv is the largest city in western Ukraine. Following the outbreak of the Russia-Ukraine war, it has become an important hub for other countries to deliver humanitarian aid to Ukraine as well as a major medical base to which wounded soldiers and patients are transferred for follow-up treatment. On December 27, the Taipei Representative Office (TRO) in Poland, the Lviv city government, and the Multidisciplinary Clinical Hospital of Emergency and Intensive Care signed a memorandum on cooperation and partnership for the reconstruction of the UNBROKEN National Rehabilitation Center in Lviv. The virtual signing ceremony was witnessed by Deputy Minister of Foreign Affairs François Chihchung Wu. The government of Taiwan will fund the renovation of a rehabilitation facility, which will be named the Taiwan Friendship Building to accentuate Taiwan’s donation and friendship. 
 
Speaking as Taiwan’s representative at the MOU signing ceremony, Deputy Minister Wu stated that postsurgery rehabilitation would be available to military personnel and civilians at the Taiwan Friendship Building in the UNBROKEN center and that the Taiwan government would continue to work with Lviv on the basis of mutual trust and support so as to help Ukraine work toward a brighter future amidst current adversity. Mayor Sadovyy presented a briefing on UNBROKEN’s operations and the recovery of those injured. Noting that the rehabilitation facility to be renovated with Taiwan government funding would benefit more Ukrainian patients, he expressed heartfelt appreciation to the government and people of Taiwan. 
 
UNBROKEN is a national rehabilitation center supported by Ukraine’s Ministry of Health and overseen by the Lviv city government. The center includes a general hospital, a children’s hospital, a rehabilitation center, a surgery facility, a prosthetics manufacturing facility, and temporary housing. To date, more than 940,000 Ukrainian patients have received medical treatment at this nationally renowned center. The facility to be renovated with Taiwan’s assistance is a seven-story building located in the western part of the center. Once the project is completed, it will be home to specialized departments and provide such diverse medical and rehabilitation services as physical therapy, psychological consultations, and prosthetic fittings. It is expected to have the capacity to serve 13,000 patients simultaneously. (E)

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MOFA expresses sincere condolences over passing of former Indian Prime Minister Singh

Date：2024-12-28
Data Source：Department of East Asian and Pacific Affairs

December 28, 2024No. 469Former Indian Prime Minister Manmohan Singh passed away on December 26. The Ministry of Foreign Affairs (MOFA) extends sincere condolences over his passing and has instructed the Taipei Economic and Cultural Center (TECC) in India to convey its sympathies to the government of India on behalf of the people and government of the Republic of China (Taiwan).Former Prime Minister Singh boasted a wealth of political experience. During his tenure as prime minister from 2004 to 2014, he bolstered cooperation between India and Taiwan in such areas as the economy, trade, investment, culture, and education. He also facilitated the opening of the TECC in Chennai in 2012, significantly enhancing the development of bilateral relations. Prime Minister Singh will be remembered with great respect for advancing Taiwan-India relations and promoting regional peace and prosperity during his time in office. MOFA will build on the solid foundation he laid to further deepen friendship and cooperation with current Prime Minister Narendra Modi and the people of India. (E)

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US government officially notifies Taiwan of latest arms sale

Date：2024-12-21
Data Source：Department of North American Affairs

December 21, 2024
No. 465

The Ministry of Foreign Affairs (MOFA) has received official notification from the United States government that its executive branch has informed Congress of a nearly US$300 million arms sale to Taiwan, to include upgrades to the Link-16 tactical datalink system as well as 76-mm gun mounts and related equipment. MOFA wholeheartedly welcomes this development and thanks the US government for continuing to honor its security commitments to Taiwan as outlined in the Taiwan Relations Act and the Six Assurances. Recently, US Secretary of State Antony Blinken again publicly stressed that Taiwan was not China’s business but the world’s business. In its Military and Security Developments Involving the People’s Republic of China 2024 report, the US Department of Defense explicitly pointed out that China has amplified pressure against Taiwan. The National Defense Authorization Act for Fiscal Year 2025 adopted by the US Congress included a Taiwan security cooperation initiative. This latest round of arms sales to Taiwan is another concrete action demonstrating the high regard and bipartisan support of the US administration and Congress for peace and stability across the Taiwan Strait. Minister of Foreign Affairs Lin Chia-lung has expressed his appreciation for the supportive comments by the US government and Secretary Blinken.
 
This the 19th arms sale to Taiwan announced during the Biden administration. It continues the US policy of normalized weapons sales to Taiwan, underscores the United States’ staunch commitment to and support for bolstering Taiwan’s self-defense capabilities and resilience, and ensures that Taiwan has adequate and reliable defense capacity to respond to China’s military and gray-zone coercion. MOFA reiterates that in the face of China’s threats, Taiwan will fulfill its responsibility to protect its homeland and will continue to demonstrate its determination to defend itself. Through arms purchases from the United States, national defense reforms, enhancement of whole-of-society defense resilience, and other means, Taiwan will bolster its comprehensive defense capabilities and resilience, leverage its strengths to ensure peace, and deepen its close security partnership with the United States. MOFA welcomes further concrete actions by the United States and like-minded partners to advance peace, stability, and prosperity across the Taiwan Strait and in the Indo-Pacific. (E)

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US Congress passes NDAA 2025 with enhanced Taiwan security cooperation

Date：2024-12-20
Data Source：Department of North American Affairs

December 20, 2024 
No. 464 

The US House of Representatives and Senate approved the National Defense Authorization Act for Fiscal Year 2025 (NDAA 2025) on December 11 and 18, respectively. The act includes a Taiwan security cooperation initiative, the establishment of a Taiwan-US military trauma care program, and other new provisions. Among other supportive measures for Taiwan, the act encourages the United States to work with European countries to strengthen relations with Taiwan and back efforts to bolster Taiwan’s defense capabilities. It also calls for enhanced defense industrial cooperation with Taiwan. 
 
The Ministry of Foreign Affairs (MOFA) sincerely thanks the US Congress for continuing to demonstrate staunch support for Taiwan-US security cooperation and Taiwan’s security through legislation. The NDAA 2025 will pass into law once it is signed by President Joe Biden.
 
MOFA will continue to stay in close contact with the US Congress and administration to jointly deepen the cordial partnership between Taiwan and the United States and to ensure a free, open, peaceful, and stable Indo-Pacific. (E) 

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MOFA extends sincere condolences to French overseas department Mayotte in aftermath of Cyclone Chido

Date：2024-12-16
Data Source：Department of European Affairs

December 16, 2024  
No. 462  

Cyclone Chido struck the French overseas department of Mayotte on December 14, with gusts exceeding 200 kilometers per hour. It was the strongest cyclone to hit the area in over 90 years. The local government stated that casualties likely numbered in the hundreds and that the storm had caused severe property damage. 
 
Upon receiving news of the disaster, Foreign Minister Lin Chia-lung immediately instructed the Taipei Representative Office in France to convey President Lai Ching-te’s sincere sympathies and condolences on behalf of the government and people of Taiwan to French President Emmanuel Macron. Minister Lin emphasized that, if necessary, the Taiwan government would gladly provide disaster assistance. He also indicated that Taiwan would donate €250,000 through its representative office to assist with local disaster relief and postdisaster reconstruction efforts. 
According to information available to the representative office in France, no Taiwanese nationals have been injured or stranded. The Ministry of Foreign Affairs and the representative office in France will continue to closely follow developments in Mayotte, maintain contact with the relevant French authorities, and provide any assistance necessary. (E)